Resources

Come see what the IDC has to offer. We provide an access point for vast project resources. Everything from workstations, 3d modeling, mockup prototyping tools, and inspiration to push your creativity, you'll find something interesting to draw, build, learn, make or do. Drop by and experience IDC.

Beginning in the days of inventors such as Eli Whitney and Robert Fulton, inventors of the cotton gin and steamboat, respectively, the South has built itself on technology. Neither the Old nor New South could exist without the 200 years of ingenuity, learnings, and market disruptions spurred by the region’s engineers, inventors, and thinkers. Unique to these problem solvers are a set of behaviors that span disciplines, utilizing design methodologies that promoted rapid development.

Located in the basement of the College of Design East building, students can use the facilities to prototype models and refine designs. There is an exterior space which is available to use 24/7 by students with proper buzzcard access, and an interior space which requires supervision and prior training.

Founded in late 2009, the Invention Studio is a student-run maker space open to all of Georgia Tech. It is staffed by the Prototyping Instructors, student volunteers who are on hand to train you and help with your projects. Use of the studio is free for all students, faculty and staff of Georgia Tech, regardless of year, major, or prior experience.

This computer numerically controled (CNC) mill is programmable in the XY-plane on the attached digital interface. Files can be uploaded via a USB. With this mill, users can position the drill, mill lines (in any direction), mill arcs, cut out circles, and make profiles and pockets. All plastics and metals can be milled, however, steel requires the machine to be put into a lower gear. Note that the Z-plane control is manual and that wood is not allowed on the machine. This machine is located in the BME Shop in the Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Building.

The wood room houses the following tools that can be used independently or with the help of ULI's. THe tools located in the Wood Room are: a CNC Router, Miter Saw, Bandsaw, Scroll Saw, Wood Lathe, Drill Press, Handheld Power Tools, Cutting Tools, Sanders, Table Saws, Router and Router Table, and Planer.

The Waterjet room is located in the MRDC. Don't be fold by the name. This room also stores, three laser cutters, a water jet, and a plethora of other hand tools. Pro tip - if you have a job that needs to get done, arrive when doors open. Lines build up very quickly.

Come check out the Machine Shop at the Invention studio to really get some first hand experience in industry level manufacturing. The Machine shop has a whole bunch of equipment like Manual Mills, Manual Lathes, CNC Mills, CNC Lathes, and Injection Molding!

The 3D Printing Room, located in the MRDC, is home to the Studio's vast collection of rapid prototyping machines. However, this room offers much more than just 3D Printing. 3D scanners and Vinyl Cutters can be used by any students and all of these machines come with material (or you can BYOM if you choose).

The band saw can be used to cut plastics, metals, and wood. The speed must be adjusted to go slower when cutting metals. The height of the saw can be adjusted up to 12" to accommodate larger materials. The band saw should not be used to cut cylinders, for safety implications. This machine is located in the BME Shop in the Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Building.

The hand tapper assist is a manual tool that is a cutting tool used to create screw threads, or threading. The tap is used to cut the female portion of the mating pair (nut), while a die is used to cut the male portion of the mating pair (bolt). This machine is located in the BME Shop in the Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Building.

The band saw is ideal for cutting wood and thin plastics. It is not meant for metals or other dense materials, there are 3 band saws located inside the main fabrication shop located in the basement level of the architecture east building. Parts must be large enough so that hands are never within 3" of cutter. Parts must lay flat on table

The wood lathe is a variable speed machine. Wood and dense foam can be mounted and the part is revolved. Special tools are used to shape the revolved design. Training is a MUST. Use protective eyewear when using the wood lathe.

Need to see if your idea is new and not published anywhere? Think of protecting your intellectual property before showing your invention to the public? Want to learn how to do a patent search before filing a patent application for your idea? The PTRC offers free consultation and patent search classes.